Flathead Cancer Aid services provides financial aid for cancer patients

Sandra Shaw remembers one cancer patient who needed money to get their vehicle license renewed and was looking for help.

“It was $99 that stood between them getting back into the work force,” she said. “It was the difference between them being a productive person again. It was worth so much more to them (than) $99.”

Shaw, who works at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, wanted to direct the patient to an organization that could help, but there really wasn’t any out there. Many nonprofits assist with cancer patient’s medical expenses or travel needs and some focus on specific types of cancer.

The gap Shaw saw was in an organization to help someone with any type of cancer and one that would help with every day expenses. Thus, Shaw, along with other volunteers created the new nonprofit Flathead Cancer Aid Services Inc.

“It doesn’t mean that just because you have a job and insurance that you can afford to have cancer,” Shaw said.

Shaw said when a person is diagnosed with cancer they are often forced to go on disability, but that often doesn’t cover their expenses like the mortgage or the heating bills. She noted the stresses of paying the bills can be hindrance to recovery.

“It’s the incidentals,” she said. “We want to provide the little things that make life easier. How can the body heal if the mind is not well?”

The logo for Flathead Cancer Aid is a circle of colorful ribbons signifying that the nonprofit works to help those with any type of cancer. Patients are screened through an application process that includes financial and medical information and then a board of directors determines how money is given. The organization also looks at ways to help that might not be financial, such as if someone needs wood chopped for heating.

“It’s those simple things that fill the gap and takes a little stress off,” Shaw said.

Flathead Cancer Aid Service Inc. is holding a kickoff fundraiser Cancer Has Many Faces bachelor/ette auction and masquerade bash Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

The organization has taken over the event after the Save A Sister breast cancer awareness initiative chose not to hold the fundraiser this year.

Each bachelor or bachelorette package has been paired with a cancer patient, who will benefit from the sale of that package. Those who bid on a package can take the bachelor or bachelorette or anyone of their choosing for the package. Examples of packages include a raft trip or a ride with a professional pilot.

There are 12 auction packages expected to go up for bid during the event along with the music of Smart Alex, face painting, a magician and raffles.

Tickets are available at Reecia’s Salon in Whitefish, Electric Avenue Gifts in Bigfork, O’Brien’s Liquor in Columbia Falls and Colter Coffee in Kalispell. General admission is $15 while reserved table tickets run $25 and $50.

For more information, visit the Flathead Cancer Aid Facebook page or call 471-2795.